Multiple purpose door



Nov. 3, 1964 x.\w. KAPPEN MULTIPLE PURPOSE DooR Filed Nov. 28, 1961 5 Sheear.s-Shee1I 2 Nov. 3, 1964 '1. w. KAPPEN 3,155,203

MULTIPLE PURPOSE DOOR 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Nov. 28. 1961 BY WWMM nite 3,155,263 litlULTilLll PURPSE BGR .lohn W. Kappen, 243 Kenwood Ave., Dayton, Ohio;

Frieda E. Kappen, administratrlx of the estate of said lohn W. Kappen, also hnown as Pino. W. Kappen,

deceased Filed Z, i961, Ser. No. 155,40@ Claims. {CL 139-46) This invention relates to multiple purpose closures, having particular although not limited reference to the material handling art.

The object of the invention is to simplify the construction as well as the means and mode of operation of multiple purpose closures, whereby such closures may not only be economically manufactured, but will be more etcient and satisfactory in use, adaptable to a wide variety of applications, and be unlikely to get out of order.

A further obiect of the invention is to provide a device which while retaining a connected relation to a supporting structure may serve selectively as an access door to such structure, or as a bridge or ramp thereto and as a platform capable of being raised and lowered by elevator means.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device as described of general utility, applicable to a variety of structures and carriers, for example loading docks and ware houses, truck trailers, railroad cars, aircraft and the like,

A further object of the invention is to provide a closure device as described featuring door means having a conventional construction and mode of operation when used for closure and access and serving as the floor of the ramp or platform in a converted position of the device.

Still another object of the invention is to adapt the closure device for facile connection to and operation by elevator apparatus of a kind adapted for carrier mountings.

A further object of the invention is to provide a multiple purpose closure possessing the advantageous structural features, the inherent meritorious characteristics and the rnode of operation herein mentioned.

With the above and other incidental objects in view as will more fully appear in the specification, the invention intended to be protected by Letters Patent consists of the features of construction, the parts and combinations thereof, and the mode of operation as hereinafter described or illustrated in the accompanying drawings, or their equivalents.

Referring to the accompanying drawing wherein is shown one but obviously not necessarily the only form of embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 1 is a view in perspective showing a device in accordance with the illustrated embodiment of the invention installed on a building structure with the device adjusted to serve as an access door;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, showing the device adjusted to serve as a ramp or platform and showing further operating means for effecting and controlling pivotal adjustment of the device;

FlG. 3 is a detail view, partly in cross-section, showing how a ramp extension of the device is stored when not in use;

FIG. 4 is a detail View in perspective showing how the device is connected to elevator apparatus for raising and lowering thereof; A

FIG. 5 is a view in cross-section, taken substantially along the line 5 5 of FlG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a detail view in perspective of a sub-assembly comprising a frame and attached ramp extension; and

BSS Patented Nov. 3, 1954 FEG. 7 is a fragmentary view in perspective showing a latch mechanism installed in the door means in order selectively to lock the doors to the frame.

Like parts are indicated by similar characters of reference throughout the several views.

Referring to the drawings, the device is for illustrative purposes shown as incorporated in a building structure lil providing an interior enclosure 11 to which access is gained by an opening 12. The structure lll, which may be a warehouse or the like, is representative only since, as noted, the invention is applicable also to truck trailers, railroad cars and the like and the opening l2 might in these instances be either at the end of the carrier or on the side thereof.

The opening l2 is considered as being above oor or ground level. It has side margins and along such margins in opposing relation to one another are vertical masts 13 and i4. Fixed to the structure 10 in any convenient manner, the masts 13 and 14 are formed to an elongated tubular shape and along sides facing one another are formed with open slots l5 of longitudinal extent. Slidably received in the stationary masts 13 and lll .are respective movable masts 1o and l?. The latter are telescopically mounted in their respective stationary masts and are similarly formed but occupy an inverted position in such manner as to present a closed side to the slotted portion 15 of the stationary mast. Extending upward through the bottom of the telescoping mast assemblies are respective posts i3 and i9 engageable with upper closed surfaces 21 and Z2 of the inner masts lo and 17. loined together in a common hydraulic actuating system (not shown) the posts 18 and 19 are adapted vertically to be extended and retracted, and, by virtue of their engagement with surfaces 2l and 22, to effect corresponding raising and lowering motions of the inner masts i6 and 1'7. Each inner mast has secured to its outwardly facing closed side a plate 23. Stationed near the lower end of the mast assembly, the plate Z3 is received in slot i5 and is connected to its corresponding element on the other mast assembly through means including an angle piece 24 and an adjustable cross-bar assembly cornprising parts 25 and 26. The described cross-bar and angle piece assembly functions positively to interconnect the movable masts of the two mast assemblies whereby the two may more readily move in a stable manner and to corresponding extents.

ln accordance with the instant inventive concept the described elevator means provides a mounting for a multiple purpose door assembly including a frame Z7 (see also FlG. 6). The frame Z7 is rectangular in form, having marginal side members 2.3 and 29 and interconnecting cross-bar portions 3l and 32 at the top and bottom respectively. On the underside of bottom cross-bar 32 are laterally spaced apart mounting blocks 33 and 34 formed at their respective outer ends with trunnions 35 and 36. As shown in FIG. 5 trunnion 35 is rotatably received in an opening in an arm 36 secured to the plate 23 on movable mast member lo. Trunnion 36 is mounted in a like manner in a similar arm secured to the plate 23 on movable mast i7. ln accordance with this construction and arrangement of parts, therefore, the frame 27 is supported at its lower end by the elevator apparatus, or more particularly by the movable mast means thereof, in such manner that it may not only be raised and lowered in unison with the movable mast means but may be rocked relatively thereto outwardly and'downwardly about theaxis ofthe trunions 35-36 and away from the structure lll.

Controlling the movements of the frame are cables 33 and 3% (Fl-G. 2) attached at their one ends to anchor brackets ll and 4Z on respective side members 2S and 29 of the frame near the upper ends thereof. The cables and 39 extend rearwardly into enclosure l1 over nl mounted pulleys i5 and the opposite ends ofthe cables 3S and 39 extend to the rear of enclosure lll where they are wound upon respective drums l5 and le on the end of a shaft l? mounted by a bracl-:et 4S to the rear wall of enclosure ll. Electromotive `or like means d? similarly is mounted on the ear wall of enclosure ll and is connected in rotary driving relation to shaft 47 by means of a chain l and sprocket 52. ccording to the construction and arrangement ot parts the electromotive means 49 may be energized to wind the cables 38 and 39 on the drums 45 and whereupon the outer ends of the cables pull upon the frame 27 and effect an upward and inward rocking motion thereof, as for example from the position shown PEG. 2 to a position as shown in FIG. l. Similarly, upon bein'7 released for motion in an opposing sense, the trarne 37 may rock under c ntrol of the cables 38 and 39 outwardly and downwardly from a position as shown in FlG. 1 to a position as shown in FIG. 2. The motive means t9 may be reversibleto eftcct a powered playing out of the cables 3S and 39 in the lowering of the frame as well as a powered lifting thereof. Tie members 53 and 5d, each incorporating a flexible chain link portion Si', may be interposed between the respective sides of the frame 2.7 and the aforemen loned plates 23 on movable masts le and l? in order positively to limit outward motion of the frame 27 and in so doing to limit the supporting load placed on the cables 3S and 39.

As shown also in FlGS. 2 and 3, an extension member 56 is pivotally connected to the top cross-bar l of the frame 27, as by being connected thereto through a hinge 5'?. ln an upright position ot the frame the extension 56 projects into enclosure ll below the ceiling thereof and rests on the cables 33 and 39, guided by lugs S8 and 59 thereon. Upon outward rocking motion of the frame to a position as shown in FlG. 2, however, the extension 56 may similarly be rocked or folded about the top cross-bar 3l cominU to rest thereon and inclining outwardly and downwardly therefrom.

The marginal sides 23 and Z9 of the frame 27 have in cross-section a right anule configuration. They are, moreover, oppositely disposed relative to one another so that what may be considered the interior angle portion faces outwardly to either side of the frame. As such, the interior angle portions of such marginal sides achieve a complementary relationship to the stationary masts i3 and 14, one portion of each side member extending inwardly between the mast assemblies and the other being adapted to limit against the outward face of the mast assemblies in a manner to define a limit of upward and inward movement of the frame. So positioned, and in accordance with the hydraulic adjustment of the posts 13 and 19 or the elevator apparatus, the frame may occupy an aligned superposed position with respect to opening l2 oit enclosure lll. Door means carried by the frame provides for a controlled access to the enclosure through the frame and through opening l2. While the door means may assume different forms it is in the illustrated instance comprised of a pair of doors 59 and el installed in the frame in a manner selectively to close the space dened by the margins of the frame. On the outwardly facing surface of frame margin 2? are longitudinally spaced hinge elements 62. On the vcorresponding face of side margin 2% are like hinge elements 63. The door 59 has on what may be considered its outer side edge hinge elements 53 adapted to interlit with and to be pinned to the hinge elements 52A Like hinge elements 64 are secured to the outer side edge of door 6l and are interengaged with frame hinge elements 63. The

doors 59 and 6l are constructed to encompass substantially the whole of the trarne 27 from top to bottom thereoi and their inner side edges are adapte-d when swung inwardly to lie in substantially contactinn adjacent relation to one another in an intermediate position between the sides 28 and 29. With the doors so positioned the space through fr me 27 closed. Rocking the doors aisasee outwardly on the described hinge connections opens the door assembly for free access to and from the enclosure il.

ln a closed position the doors 59 and 5l occupy a common plane substantially within or adjacent to the frame 27. Outer side edges of the doors, as shown in FIG. l substantially abut the ends of hinge elements 62 and 63 while the doors themselves lie flush against the side margins 2S and 2%. The doors are adapted to be locked in a closed position, and to that end each have pins 66 and 67 projecting from their upper and lower ends near the inner side edge thereof. The pins 66 and 67 are connected by links 63 and 69 to an eccentric 7l. The eccentric i1 is selectively turned by means i2 mounted in a latch plate 73 and accessible from outside the door, the assembly comprising parts 66-73 being wholly contained within and mova le with its respective door. Depending upon the direction of such turning motion the eccentric 7l either retracts the links 68 and 69 or extends them, accomplishing thereby locking and releasing motions of the pins relative to keepers 'lil-7S and 76-77 xed to top and bottom cross-bars 3l and 32 of the frame. Top and bottom corners of each door are formed with respective cut outs 7S and 79 to clear the frame mounted keepers and allow the latch pins 66 and 67 access thereto.

As will be understood from the foregoing, the door assembly has multiple positions of adjustment and multiple purposes. With the parts positioned as shown in FIG. l, wherein the frame 27 and its supported door means are folded to an upright position against masts 13 and ld, the assembly may function as a conventional door. Thus it provides access as required to tlle'enclosure ll and serves as a closure for opening l2 when Vno access is desired. Alternatively, and as let down by the cables 38 and 39 to a position substantially as shown in FlG. 2, the door assembly becomes a ramp or platform the door of which is defined by the closed doors 59 and 61. In a let down or unfolded position the door assembly may serve varied purposes, for example as-a bridge to a loading dock, an inclined ramp or as an elevator platform. In the latter use the door assembly is roclred outward to a generally horizontal position and then under actuation or the eleva-- tor apparatus is moved alternately between door or ground level and the lower level of opening l2. Loading or unloading of enclosure llll may thus proceed in an expedited manner. When finished, the door assembly is returned to its upright position, stowed for subsequent reuse and in the interim serving as a conventional access door.

The frame extension member 56 serves as a ramp facilitating movement of hand trucks and the like on to and off of the door assembly in its platform or ramp use.

From the above description it will be apparent that there is thus provided a device of the character described possessing the particular features of advantage before enumerated as desirable, but which obviously is susceptible of modification in its form, proportions, detail construction and arrangement of parts without departingfrom the principle involved or sacrificing any of its advantages.

While in order to comply with the statute the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown, but that the means and construction herein disclosed comprise but one of several modes of putting the invention into effect, the invention is therefore claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the legitimate and valid scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, l claim l. A door assembly including a frame having margins in the form oi laterally spaced apart side portions and interconnecting top and bottom portions, hinges on opposite portions of said frame, said frame being open between said margins, a pair ci doors received in said frame, each connected along one edge to the hinges on one of said respectively opposite portions of said frame, said doors being swingable on said hinges to open and closed positions relative to said frame, said doors when closed occupying a common plane located substantially within said frame with their other side edges in adjacent relation to one another intermediate said opposite portions of said frame, means for selectively locking said doors to said frame when closed, and means supporting said frame for bodily swinging motion about one of its marginal portions to provide that said frame be movable from a normal upright position to a generally horizontal position for service as a platform wherein said doors deiine the iioor of said platform.

2. A door assembly including a frame having margins in the form of spaced apart sides and interconnecting top and bottom portions, hinges on the sides of said frame, said frame being open between said margins, a pair Gi doors received in said frame and each connected along one side edge to hinges on a respective side of said frame, said doors being laterally swingable on said hinges to open and closed positions relative to said frame, said doors when closed occupying a common plane located substantially within said frame with their other side edges in adjacent relation to one another intermediate the sides of said frame, means for selectively locking said doors to the top and bottom portions of said frame in a closed position, means supporting said frame for bodily swinging motion aboutl one of its margins to provide that said frame be movable from a normal upright position to a generally horizontal position for service as a platform wherein said doors define the door of said platform.

3. A multiple use closure for an opening having side margins, including vertical mast means stationarily mounted along each side margin of said opening, means longitudinally slidable on said vertical mast means, a four sided frame member bridging the space between said mast means and pivotally connected adjacent to its lower end to said longitudinally slidable means, said frame member aligning approximately with the margins of said opening and dening an aligned corresponding opening, means for holding said frame in a normally upright position approximately parallel to said mast means, said last named means being selectively operable to release said frame to a lowered angular position relative to said mast means to serve as a platform, door means installed in said frame and hinged thereto to be opened and closed for access through the opening in said frame to the first said opening in the upright position of said frame and to serve as a platform iioor in the lowered position of said frame, and means utilizing opposed sides of said frame for locking said door means in a closed position in said frame.

4. A multiple use closure for an opening to an enclosure, including a pair of vertically disposed masts stationarily mounted on opposite sides of an enclosure, means telescopically engaged with each of said masts for vertical relative sliding motion, a four-sided frame in bridging relation to said enclosure having side members in superposed relation to respective masts and having cross members at the extremities of said side members, said frame having upper and lower ends as deiined by said cross members, a trunnion pivotaliy connecting the lower end of said frame at each side thereof to a respective telescopically engaged means, exible cables connected to the upper end of said frame for rocking said frame about said trunnions to an upright position and for controlling a lowering motion thereof to a position approximately at right angles to said mast means7 said frame'in an upright position achieving a superposed relation to said masts,r

Reierenees Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,317,905 Baughman Oct. 7, 1919 2,405,878 Elwert Aug. 13, 1946 2,553,156 Woodward May 15, 1951 2,568,058 Dath Sept. 18, 1951 682.1324V June 29, 1954 

1. A DOOR ASSEMBLY INCLUDING A FRAME HAVING MARGINS IN THE FORM OF LATERALLY SPACED APART SIDE PORTIONS AND INTERCONNECTING TOP AND BOTTOM PORTIONS, HINGES ON OPPOSITE PORTIONS OF SAID FRAME, SAID FRAME BEING OPEN BETWEEN SAID MARGINS, A PAIR OF DOORS RECEIVED IN SAID FRAME, EACH CONNECTED ALONG ONE SIDE EDGE TO THE HINGES ON ONE OF SAID RESPECTIVELY OPPOSITE PORTIONS OF SAID FRAME, SAID DOORS BEING SWINGABLE ON SAID HINGES TO OPEN AND CLOSED POSITIONS RELATIVE TO SAID FRAME, SAID DOORS WHEN CLOSED OCCUPYING A COMMON PLANE LOCATED SUBSTANTIALLY WITHIN SAID FRAME WITH THEIR OTHER SIDE EDGES IN ADJACENT RELATION TO ONE ANOTHER INTERMEDIATE SAID OPPOSITE PORTIONS OF SAID FRAME, MEANS FOR SELECTIVELY LOCKING SAID DOORS TO SAID FRAME WHEN CLOSED, AND MEANS SUPPORTING SAID FRAME FOR BODILY SWINGING MOTION ABOUT ONE OF ITS MARGINAL PORTIONS TO PROVIDE THAT SAID FRAME BE MOVABLE FROM A NORMAL UPRIGHT POSITION TO A GENERALLY HORIZONTAL POSITION FOR SERVICE AS A PLATFORM WHEREIN SAID DOORS DEFINE THE FLOOR OF SAID PLATFORM. 